Can You Use Brake Fluid for Power Steering Fluid? (Answered)

Whenever it comes to different fluids in the vehicle, we must be pretty careful. Because the wrong choice of fluid in the vehicle can cause serious problems.

Sometimes, the same fluid can perform different operations. Sometimes, the same fluid can cause problems in different parts of the vehicle.

So, you might be confused about whether you can use brake fluid for power steering fluid or not. Well, you have to know about the purpose of these two fluids first.

Then you have to know the consequences of using one fluid instead of another. Otherwise, the safety of your vehicle might become questionable.

Can you use brake fluid for power steering fluid?

You can’t use brake fluid for power steering fluid. It can affect the steering system and even damage it. If you use brake fluid for power steering fluid, it can swell the rubber seals and cause leakage. If you do it continuously, the power steering system will break down.

However, power steering fluid and brake fluid are different. They have different properties and functions. Though many people used to interchange them earlier, they should not be interchanged.

In modern times, each fluid in the vehicle performs different functions. For example, brake fluids are used on brakes to absorb moisture and prevent corrosion. Brake fluids are not compressible and can dissipate heat. These fluids also help lubricate brake parts.

On the other hand, power steering fluids are used in the steering system. These fluids are compressible and act as pressure transferring media. Moreover, these fluids also help with dynamic steering, absorbing heat, lubricating, etc.

So, if you use brake fluid as a power steering fluid, it can’t perform all the functions of a power steering fluid. Moreover, it will harm the steering system.

Generally, power steering fluid works as a lubricant between metal-on-metal contacts. But brake fluid doesn’t have the property to lubricate between metal-on-metal contacts. So, when the power steering system will not get enough lubrication, the steering parts will get damaged.

Moreover, the rubber seals will get damaged because the brake fluid is pretty harsh on the rubber seals. So, serious damage can occur if you use brake fluid as power steering fluid.

Besides, the efficiency of your vehicle will be reduced if you continuously use the brake fluid as the power steering fluid. Another reason is that the brake fluid is caustic. So, using brake fluid as power steering fluid will not provide enough lubrication.

Can you use Dot 3 brake fluid for power steering fluid?

No, you can’t use dot 3 brake fluid for power steering fluid. Because dot 3 is a glycol-based fluid and is typically used in the brake system. This fluid is not compatible with the power steering system. On a power steering system, a power steering fluid is used.

You might know power steering fluids are petroleum-based fluids. These fluids’ main purpose is to lubricate the power steering pump. But if you use dot 3 brake fluid for power steering fluid, it will not provide enough lubrication for the power steering pump.

So, the power steering pump will go through abrasion and damage. Moreover, the dot 3 brake fluid is of the caustic type. You might know that caustic fluid can react with plastics. It can damage the rubber seals of the power steering system.

So, you have to use a non-caustic fluid in the power steering system. That’s why you can’t use dot 3 brake fluid for power steering fluid.

Three reasons why you cannot use brake fluid for power steering fluid

Now that you know you can’t use brake fluid for power steering fluid, you might want to know the reasons. Let’s see why you can’t use brake fluid as power steering fluid.

Provides less lubrication:

The most important feature of power steering fluid is to provide enough lubrication. Because if the fluid doesn’t provide enough lubrication, the steering pump will not work efficiently. So, a petroleum-based fluid can work well as a lubricant.

But the brake fluid is glycol-based. It doesn’t provide sufficient lubrication. Moreover, brake fluid is not suitable to lubricate metal-on-metal parts. So, the parts of the power steering system will be damaged if you use brake fluid for power steering fluid.

Damages the rubber seals:

Brake fluids are caustic. On the other hand, power steering fluids are non-caustic. These fluids are non-toxic because the power steering system has rubber seals. You might know that caustic fluids can damage rubber and plastic parts.

So, when you use brake fluid as power steering fluid, it damages the rubber parts of the steering system. So, you can’t use this fluid for power steering fluid.

Not a pressure-transferring medium:

Power steering fluids work as pressure-transferring media. It provides enough pressure for the power steering pump.

So, if you use brake fluid, it will not provide pressure to the power steering pump. So, the pump will not work efficiently. That’s why you should not use brake fluid as power steering fluid.

What happens if I use brake fluid for power steering?

If you use brake fluid for power steering, it will cause many problems. Firstly, the brake fluid will gradually damage the rubber seals of the power steering system. Because the brake fluid is caustic, it is a pretty strong chemical for rubber seals.

Then the brake fluid will gradually damage different parts of the power steering system. Because it will not give sufficient lubrication to the power steering. Moreover, the brake fluid will not provide enough pressure to the power steering pump.

As a result, the pump will not work efficiently. Moreover, the pump will not get lubrication from the brake fluid. Besides, the brake fluid will gradually reduce the overall efficiency of the power steering system.

Once the power steering system is affected, it will affect the overall efficiency of the vehicle. So, you should avoid using brake fluid as power steering fluid.

How to fix the problems caused by brake fluid in the power steering?

Once the brake fluid is used in the power steering, it will cause some problems. So, whether you have used the brake fluid accidentally or intentionally, you have to solve the problem. Let’s see how you can fix the problems caused by brake fluid in the power steering.

Stop driving:

First, you have to stop driving to minimize further entry of the brake fluid into the power steering.

Open reservoir:

Then you have to open the power steering fluid reservoir and remove the fluid from the reservoir with a syringe or turkey baster.

Jack up vehicle:

To collect more fluid from the reservoir, you can jack up the vehicle to make the wheels off the ground.

Collect fluid: 

Collect and remove fluid from the reservoir once more.

Unplug low-pressure line:

Unplug the low-pressure line and spin the wheels back and forth to remove any remaining old fluid.

Refill:

After removing all of the old fluid, refill the reservoir with the new power steering fluid.

Repeat process: 

To effectively remove brake fluid, repeat the process multiple times.

Contact professional:

If the power steering pump, rubber seals, and other parts of the power steering system get damaged, you have to find professional help to replace the parts.

What can be used as a substitute for power steering fluid?

Power steering fluid is the best for use in power steering. But sometimes, you might need to use alternatives. So, let’s see what you can use as a substitute for power steering fluid.

Transmission oil:

You can use transmission oil as a substitute for power steering fluid. Because transmission oil is also hydraulic like power steering fluid. Moreover, it will also provide lubrication for the power steering. But don’t use too much transmission oil in the power steering.

Engine oil:

Engine oil can also be used as a power steering fluid substitute. Generally, engine oil also has hydraulic properties. But this oil has more viscosity than the power steering fluid. So, you have to use a lesser amount of it.

Hydraulic fluid:

Hydraulic fluid can be a good substitute for power steering fluid. This fluid has lubricating properties.

Moreover, hydraulic fluid doesn’t harm the power steering instantly. So, you can use it in an emergency. But if you continue using it in the power steering, it can cause problems in the long run.

Final Thoughts

You should not use brake fluid as a power steering fluid. Because these two fluids are completely different. Brake fluid can damage the rubber and plastic parts of the power steering system. Moreover, it doesn’t lubricate and provides pressure to the power steering pump.